'Ramkatha' in Surat protest hub to raise funds for martyrs

In the midst of hectic electioneering, Gujarat will witness a different kind of spectacle. The diamond and textile hub of Surat will hold popular Hindu seer Morari Bapu's Ramkatha during December 2-10 to raise Rs 200 crore for Army martyrs. Gujarat's two-phase polling will take place on December 9 and December 14.

The Ramkatha will be held at Varachha Road — one of the 16 Assembly constituencies of Surat that go to the polls on December 9.

Surat has been at the forefront of anti-demonetisation and GST agitations in Gujarat, giving sleepless nights to the ruling BJP. At several public meetings, especially at Varachha Road, the BJP was forced to beat a hasty retreat due to angry protests by Patidars.

Sources say the event was planned to change the discourse from agitation to patriotism. Morari Bapu is considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

RSS functionary Ranchodbhai, a diamond merchant actively involved in the event, told DNA that a body of diamond merchants and builders this time decided to honour the Army martyrs across the country. This is a non-political event and has nothing to do with the elections, he said. "It was decided well in advance, much before the announcement of elections," he said.

"We had taken dates from Morari Bapu about two years ago," he added.

Incidentally, the Election Commission of India is not aware of the event. "This kind of issue has come for the first time, but it could be examined as per the model code of conduct rules by the Gujarat CEO," said Election Commissioner OP Rawat.

Besides, honouring Parma Veer and Mahavir Chakra recipients, the merchants' body, Veer Maruti Jawan Trust, is also planning to honour the descendants of great patriots Bhama Shah, Rani Laxmi Bai and the families of Bhagat SIngh, Raj Guru and Sukhdev.

"We have also requested Lata Mangeshkar to come as we want to honour her for the best ever patriotic song Aye mere watan ke logon," said Ranchodbhai.

The trust decided to call Morari Bapu as he is the most popular Hindu seers in Gujarat whose Ramkatha is a crowd puller and will help raise the fund. All diamond and textile workers have decided to donate one day of salary for the cause. "Our body will be taking care of the Ramkatha logistics that will cost about Rs 15 crore," he said.